This Slow Cooker Bourbon Brown Sugar Ham is the ultimate blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Slow-cooked to perfection in a rich glaze of brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, and warm spices, this ham is juicy, tender, and full of deep caramelized goodness. Perfect for holiday feasts or a cozy family dinner!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Ham: A bone-in, spiral-cut ham works best for this recipe as it absorbs the glaze well and remains incredibly moist.
- Low and Slow: Cooking the ham on low heat for several hours allows the flavors to fully develop and keeps the meat tender.
- Score the Ham: Lightly scoring the surface of the ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Use a Basting Spoon: Every hour, spoon some of the bourbon glaze over the ham to enhance its caramelization.
- Thicker Glaze: If you want a thicker glaze, remove some of the sauce near the end of cooking and simmer it on the stovetop until it reduces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Bourbon Brown Sugar Ham is not just another ham recipe—it’s a showstopper! The combination of rich bourbon, molasses-like brown sugar, and tangy Dijon mustard creates a glaze that’s irresistibly sticky, slightly smoky, and packed with bold flavor. Unlike oven-baked hams that can sometimes dry out, this slow-cooked version stays moist and fork-tender, making it the perfect centerpiece for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving, as well as casual family dinners. Plus, with minimal hands-on time, it’s a stress-free way to feed a crowd while you focus on side dishes or entertaining guests.
Slow Cooker Bourbon Brown Sugar Ham
Slow Cooker Bourbon Brown Sugar Ham is juicy, flavorful, and caramelized with a rich, sweet bourbon glaze—perfect for any holiday!
Ingredients
- 1 (7–9 pound) bone-in spiral-cut ham
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup bourbon (or apple cider for non-alcoholic)
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham: Remove the ham from packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If it’s not pre-sliced, use a sharp knife to score the surface lightly in a crisscross pattern to help absorb the glaze.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. If using honey or maple syrup, add it now for extra richness.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Place the ham flat-side down in a large slow cooker. Pour half of the glaze over the top, making sure it seeps into the cuts of the ham.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, basting with additional glaze every hour if possible.
- Caramelize the Glaze (Optional): For an extra glossy, caramelized crust, transfer the ham to a baking sheet, brush with extra glaze, and broil for 3–5 minutes until slightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra glaze drizzled on top!
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove 1 cup of the cooking liquid and simmer it on the stove for 5 minutes until syrupy.
- If your ham is larger (10+ pounds), add an extra hour to the cooking time.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 123Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 9mgSodium 259mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 0gSugar 26gProtein 3g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredient Notes
- Ham: A bone-in, fully cooked spiral ham (7–9 pounds) is recommended. The bone enhances flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works, but dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses-like richness.
- Bourbon: Choose a good-quality bourbon—it doesn’t have to be expensive, but a smooth, slightly sweet one (like Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve) adds the best flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a slight tanginess to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Helps cut through the richness and provides a slight acidity.
- Cinnamon & Cloves: These warm spices enhance the depth of flavor, making the ham taste extra special.
- Honey & Maple Syrup (Optional): For added sweetness and complexity, a small amount can be used in the glaze.
Variations and Substitutions
- Whiskey Instead of Bourbon: If you don’t have bourbon, whiskey or dark rum will work just as well.
- No Alcohol Option: Replace the bourbon with apple cider or unsweetened apple juice for a kid-friendly version.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Glaze Customization: For a more citrusy profile, add orange zest and juice to the glaze.
- Pineapple Twist: Some love a fruity glaze—pineapple juice and crushed pineapple can be mixed in for extra sweetness.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store leftover ham slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Lasts up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a skillet with a splash of leftover glaze or in the microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
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